Local Grassroots Meetings Held in Japan

Discussion meeting in Chiba

Soka Gakkai members in Japan held discussion meetings in their local areas from September 13-19, 2010. The small monthly gatherings provide a venue for members and guests to study and discuss the life philosophy of Buddhism, share how their Buddhist practice relates to their personal challenges and goals, and encourage one another.

SGI President Daisaku Ikeda often stresses the value of discussion meetings--the crux of the SGI organization--where people can build friendship and trust as well as unite to work for peace and the happiness of all humanity.

In support of these grassroots efforts, Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada visited meetings in Chiba and Saitama prefectures on September 14 and 15 where he spoke about Mr. Ikeda's attitude of treasuring every individual. Mr. Harada encouraged those attending to live their lives with the same spirit.

At a gathering held in Kanagawa Prefecture on the same day, members gave a presentation on second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda's Antinuclear Declaration made on September 8, 1957. This year marks the 53rd anniversary since the historic declaration was delivered in front of 50,000 young people at Mitsuzawa Stadium in Yokohama, Japan. SGI members around the world use the month of September to reconfirm their vow to work for peace.

[Adapted from an article in the September 17, 2010, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan; photo courtesy of Seikyo Shimbun]